(VOVworld)- The European Union and Russia have agreed to strengthen their special partnership. At their summit in Brussels on Tuesday, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation in trade and energy, visa exemption, and measures to strengthen the strategic partnership and connect the Asia- Europe Alliance with the EU. In particular, both sides agreed to set up a joint gas complex and issued a statement on anti-terrorism. Speaking at a press conference after the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia always respected the sovereignty and self-reliance of neighboring countries. He said Russia had no intention to intervene Ukraine’s internal affairs and will provide Ukraine with an aid of 15 billion USD as agreed. The Russian President criticized some Western European countries for blaming Russia for pressing Kiev to abandon the latter’s cooperation with the EU. President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Committee Jose Manual Barroso said that the European Union wanted to come closer with Russia in terms of economics. The next Russia-EU summit will be held in June in Sochi city, Russia to resolve trade disputes and strengthen the bilateral strategic partnership.